Owning a home in Ottawa or anywhere in Canada means that you also own a roof, and as any seasoned Ottawa homeowner can tell you, there will come a time when that roof needs to be repaired. It can happen overnight after a terrible thunderstorm, or it could be the result of neglect from previous owners. Either way, a damaged roof is one that causes problems—and that’s the last thing you want. Fortunately, if you know the common reasons for roof repair, you can start actively maintaining your roof to keep those issues from happening.
So here’s seven reasons you will need roof repair:
Shingle or Tile Replacement
Roofing materials are not made to be eternally impervious to the elements. After 20-30 years, those shingles on your roof are going to start seeing wear and tear. When you see visible signs of damage to the shingles, you know that you are going to need a roof repair or replacement soon enough. Here are some signs you will need shingle repairs:
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- Granule Loss: There are little granules on shingles that are meant to reflect heat. When those granules are sheared off from wind, branches, and weathering, it leaves vulnerable parts of the shingles exposed.
- Splitting: This happens when temperatures rise and fall rapidly, causing shingles to expand and contract too quickly.
- Blistering: Shingles may blister when there is excessive heat, sun exposure, or poor ventilation.
- Shingles in Valleys: The valley is an area where water flows off the roof and to the gutters. Those shingles tend to wear down faster than others.
- Broken or Torn Shingles: Wind damage can break older shingles.
- Shrinkage: Weathering and normal age will cause shingles to shrink.
- Lifted or Curling Shingles: Shrinking, blistering, and wind may cause shingles to pull away from the roof, leaving the underlayment susceptible to water damage.
You don’t want to wait when you notice that your shingles or tiles are damaged. These issues can swiftly develop into something far more serious—and much more expensive to repair.
Poor Ventilation
Did you know that poor ventilation in the attic space could lead to roof damage? Although this is less common in cooler climates, even prolonged heat exposure could cause the temperature in the attic to rise. When there is a lack of ventilation, the heat damages the shingles or tiles from the back. You could also end up dealing with higher utility costs, leaking in the attic, paint damages, and more.
If your region is prone to both heat and humidity, mold and mildew might also spring up on your roof. You can reduce the risk of damages caused by poor ventilation by having a roofing contractor install roof vents.
Improper Installation of Flashing
Drip edges, also known as roof flashing, are meant to keep water from running beneath shingles and tiles. You might notice that windows, skylights, and chimneys are all surrounded by metal flashing. Due to the nature of drip edges, you need them to be properly installed, or else they won’t work correctly. Should flashing fail to adhere to the roof, water is going to seep under and affect the roof.
Look at the flashing around your chimney and around pipes. Sometimes, the caulking around the flashing begins to deteriorate, which can cause flashing to pull away from the roof.
Improper Installation of Membranes (Flat Roofs)
Flat roof membranes will tear, crack, or split for many reasons. You may also notice that there are open laps, which generally occur during application. Cracking is due to material defects and aging. Regardless, issues with your flat roof membrane need to be addressed as quickly as possible, since it could lead to water damage.
Gutter Maintenance or Repairs
Gutters, also called eavestroughs, play an essential role in preventing water damage to your home. However, a lot of people tend to forget their gutters until they have a problem. Gutters can quickly become clogged when debris gets stuck. Be sure to routinely clean out your gutters or have a roofer come and help. Otherwise, your gutters will overflow, sometimes drenching the fascia and underside of the roof in some cases. The worst case scenario? The gutters rip away from the roof, damaging it.
Leaks
Many leaks go unnoticed by homeowners, leading to horrendous damages that cost thousands to fix. Leaks can start with a chipped shingle on the roof and run through the internal structure of your home. Sometimes, leaks occur from flashing issues, debris trapped in the valleys, or even punctures that have gotten through the underlayment. And since these problems are out of sight, you might never know until something catastrophic happens.
Ponding Water
Flat roofs, which are common with commercial businesses and some residential units, tend to develop an issue called ponding water, which is where water gathers and doesn’t evaporate. This happens for a couple of reasons. Sometimes the drainage is poor, or there could be sun damage. Ponding water might seem harmless, but it does pose a threat to the roofing membrane. In turn, your roof could be damaged.
A professional roofer will be able to clear the ponding water, search for the cause, and then provide a solution.
Final Thoughts
There are many reasons why roofs need repairs, but knowing the causes can help you quell issues before they begin. Dealing with minor issues as they arise will prevent more severe issues in the future. If you plan on repairing your roof, don’t do it alone, even if you have experience. Whether it is an inspection or extensive repairs, a call to our professional roofing contractors at Classic Roof will do the job correctly and efficiently.
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